Trump deems churches 'essential,' calls for them to reopen

President Trump spoke in a news conference Friday afternoon about the coronavirus pandemic.

Posted: May 22, 2020 12:55 PM

Updated: May 22, 2020 1:24 PM

Posted By: Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump says he has deemed churches and other houses of worship “essential” and is calling on governors to allow them to reopen this weekend despite the threat of the coronavirus.

Trump made the announcement during a news conference Friday at the White House, where he didn't take questions. He says if governors don’t abide by his request, he will “override” them, though it’s unclear what authority he has to do so.